There was much laughter, squealing, the low hum of constant chatter late into the night, and sugar-fueled energy. This morning, the bowl of Skittles is almost empty and most of the Dr. Pepper 2-liters are drained.

Right now, they are getting ready to go to the town beach and as I listen to all the preparations, I remember what it was like to be that age. Sometimes, I wish I had known then what I know now.

For example:

1. Your parents really did know what they were talking about.

2. Treasure your time with your best friend Tracy. She will leave this earth in only eight short years.

3. Your pesky little brother will be one of your very best friends someday.

4. Do not use “Sun In” when you go to the beach. You will think your hair looks beautiful and natural…but that color doesn’t exist in nature.

5. When going to the beach, do NOT bring that lightweight silver blanket that soaks up the sun’s rays at an alarming speed. And by all means, do NOT only use tanning oil as you stretch out on it and bake yourself for the next several hours. Your 40 year old self will thank you for this.

6. Whenever you have the thought, “This is the end of the world!” …trust me….it isn’t.

7. There is life after math. There is coming a glorious day when no one will ask you to find that maddening ” X” ever again. You will however, break out into a cold sweat and feel your throat close up when—many, many years from now—your child comes to you with questioning eyes and holds out an algebra problem. You will then instruct them never to do that to you again and send them immediately to find their father, who never met a math problem he couldn’t solve.

8. You will be horribly embarrassed at the travesty that was considered fashion in the 1980s. Your children will mock you both for your teenage “style” and for your huge hair.

9. At the same time, you will forever love the music from that decade and will teach your children to love it too.

10. Don’t be afraid to dream big. You have a big God.

11. Enjoy being able to eat whatever you want without gaining an ounce.

12. One day your prince will come and he will be worth the wait. It turns out that you like redheads after all. 🙂

And lastly…tell your mom to advise the Olan Mills photographer to nix asking you to strike this cheesy pose:

5 responses to “Note To My 14 Year-Old Self”

I would tell my fourteen year old self:
You don’t need to pray about things that are clearly outlined in Scripture.
Develop and solidify your identity in God before you get married.
Keep practicing your clarinet even after high school.
Learn to crochet when you’re young!
Quilting will be in your future. You will enjoy it. But keep your projects small!
Don’t eat those fast food meals for that whole month while 4 months pregnant and traveling from Texas to Alaska!!!
Texas is NOT the cowboy/horse wonderland you think it is.
You are an introvert. Knowing that now will help you avoid much turmoil.

And … I think the picture is gorgeous! I really do! Of course, I’ve been known to work the Farrah Fawcett wings as recently as my son’s graduation last month. I should have taken a precautionary picture before leaving the house. It would have served me well…

You’re going to think I’m crazy, but I just looked at the adorable picture of you at the end of your post, and if you look carefully at your nose, you will see a little heart on the tip. If that is not the cutest thing I have ever seen, I don’t know what is…